Ambode: Our Govt Could Have Failed If Not for God
Says Lagos recorded growth despite recession
Gboyega Akinsanmi
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday acknowledged that his government could have suffered major setback at the height of economic shock and insecurity that destabilised almost all states of the federation if not God’s intervention.
Despite protracted recession that disrupted the fiscal plans of most states for almost two years, the governor noted that Lagos recorded unprecedented “economic growth and while there was insecurity in other places, Lagos remains calm and peaceful in the country.”
He testified to God’s hands in the affairs of the state at the 2018 annual thanksgiving service the Lagos State Government organised at the State House, Alausa to herald the beginning of the New Year, noting that God “has been working with him since he assumed office in 2015.
The thanksgiving service was attended by a wide range of top government functionaries and Christian leaders in the state including the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye and his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye.
He addressed the gathering alongside his wife, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke and members of the State Executive Council among others.
Specifically at the thanksgiving service, Ambode acknowledged the supreme power of God in the affairs of Lagos State, noting that he knew quite obviously as a State and individuals that it “is not by our strength or good deeds that we are witnesses to this New Year, but by His Grace.”
As a state, the governor said he “has always called on God for guidance, protection and sustenance. And He has always answered us. Our God will never fail us. He has never failed us. Because of this, we are entering the New Year with confidence and positive expectations.”
Since the inception of this administration, Ambode emphasised that along with the people of God, he “has called on God at the beginning of the year and our prayers have been prophetic as He always granted our desires beyond our expectations.
“At a time when the nation was in recession, our state was experiencing economic growth and while there was insecurity in other places, Lagos remains calm and peaceful. This is not as a result of what the government has done but by the special grace of God.
“All we need to do is continue to give Him praise and thanksgiving and He will continue to bless and provide for us as Lagos residents and a state. In this New Year, we submit to Him again. I am confident that irrespective of whatever is happening elsewhere, our state and all our people will continue to excel in peace, good health, prosperity, love and joy.
“God will continue to shower His blessings on us as a State and our families and homes will experience new and wonderful milestones by His grace. It is my prayer that as we come to His Gates and Courts with thanksgiving and with praises today, He will release His blessings upon us, guide and direct our path and lead us through the year successfully.”
Ambode, therefore, appreciated all Christian leaders in the state for their continuous prayers, which he acknowledged, had indeed helped propel the state to be where it is today.
Specifically, he appreciated Adeboye and his wife for the words of life and prayers since he started his political journey and the yearly thanksgiving service in the state.
Other Christian leaders at the thanksgiving include Bishop of Diocese of Logos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rev. Adebola Ademowo, General Overseer, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Senior Pastor of the House on The Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin among others.